Feeders: Idea worth stealing

[JuKu]

I got this link from a customer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPw1u8_RcOc:
Pull the component tape from the cover tape, collecting used tape on a reel. Microswitch on the component tape hole stops the motor. A microcontroller sees, that the tape advances and controls, how many holes to go. So elegant, I've spent so many hours of thinking much more complicated systems (and some time during the weekend kicking myself for not realizing this). I've started collecting parts for a prototype of this scheme.

[mrandt]

Hey Juha,

I don't want you to kick yourself more - but we have discussed Volkers approach on this forum since February already

For example here - but also in other places:
http://liteplacer.com/phpBB/viewtopic.p ... esmens#p14

I also like the geared motor + switch idea for an automatic / electronic feeder and according to Volker his feeders work very well with all sorts of tape.

On the other hand, Karl's pure mechanical approach also has advantages.

Personally, I am still undecided which path to follow

If you want to dive even deeper into the DIY feeder discussion, I also recommend the following threads from OpenPNP group - many interesting ideas and aspects mentioned there:

https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic ... ro8WginfI4

https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic ... QUzQ3I7aRc

https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic ... o-sXqZqcBA

The last one is actually Karl's design.

Best regards
Malte

[JuKu]

At that time, I was way too busy to get the basic kit build and ship process going, I didn't even think about feeders back then.